Fesperman, Dan. The Warlord's Son, A Novel.

FESPERMAN, Dan. The warlord's son, a hovel. Random House, Vintage. 319p. c2004. 14000-3048-X. $13.95. SA

If you read only two books about Pakistan and Afghanistan and the effects of the war on its people, read this one and the best-selling The Kite Runner. This novel is reminiscent of Graham Greene and John Le Carre, especially because one of the main characters is a veteran newspaper correspondent, Stan Kelly, who is probably on his last adventurous assignment--his last chance to redeem himself and his credentials. Najeeb is from the tribal area on the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan, estranged from his family, and working as Kelly's "fixer," translator and guide and fixer of problems that an American correspondent is likely to run into. He also is having an illicit affair with a young woman whose reputation will be ruined if her family finds out. Meanwhile, he is estranged from his own father, a respected warlord, and returns to his home for the first time since they fought. Both men have a lot to gain and a lot to lose on their trip together, looking for the big story.

The story is full of atmosphere and will leave the reader with a more complex picture of that area of the world. Balanced with the images of The Kite Runner, the American reader will be able to listen to news accounts with a new understanding. Nola Theiss, Sanibel, FL